How to Play

The Game of Lawn Bowls: A Comprehensive Guide

Lawn bowls, commonly known as bowls or bowling on the green, is a sport played on a grass or artificial surface, known as a “green.” The main objective of the game is to roll a set of bowls towards a small white ball called the “jack,” aiming to have your bowls come to rest closer to the jack than those of your opponent. The player or team whose bowls are closest to the jack wins the “shots,” or points, for that end.

Basic Structure of the Game

Lawn bowls is typically played in a series of rounds called “ends.” Each end consists of both players or teams taking turns rolling their bowls towards the jack. After all bowls have been rolled, the side with the bowl closest to the jack earns points. The game continues in this manner, with ends being played in alternating directions across the green.

Key Terms:

End: A single round of play in which all bowls from both teams are rolled.
Shot/Point: A bowl that is closer to the jack than any of the opponent’s bowls.
Rink: The designated area of the green where the bowls are played.
Mat: A rectangular mat on which players must stand when delivering their bowls.

How the Game is Played

The game begins with a toss of the coin to determine which player or team will go first. The winner of the toss can choose to play first or allow their opponent to begin.

Laying the Jack: The first player or team member rolls the jack to a predetermined distance up the green. The jack must be centered along the rink’s center line. The jack must also land at least two meters from the front ditch (the end of the rink).
Rolling the Bowls: After the jack is placed, the player rolls the first bowl, followed by the opposing player or team member. This alternation continues until all bowls are played.
Determining the Winner of the End: Once all bowls have been played, the players or teams check which of their bowls are closest to the jack. The side with the closest bowl(s) scores a point for each bowl that is closer to the jack than any of the opposition’s bowls.
Recording the Score: The score for the end is recorded on a scorecard, and the game continues with the winner of the previous end taking the first turn for the next.

The Concept of the “Ditch” and “Touchers”

The Ditch: If a bowl rolls into the ditch (the boundary area at the end of the rink), it is considered out of play unless it has touched the jack on its way down. If it touches the jack, it remains in play.
Touchers: When a bowl touches the jack while rolling down the rink, it is marked with chalk to indicate that it is a “toucher.” Even if a toucher lands in the ditch, it remains in play.

The Role of the Jack

The jack plays a crucial role in the game, as it is the target for all bowls. The jack can be moved by a bowl in play. If the jack moves into the ditch, it remains in play as long as it stays within the boundaries of the rink. However, if the jack is driven outside the rink’s boundary, it is “re-spotted” 2 meters from the front ditch along the center line.

The movement of the jack can significantly affect the game’s strategy, creating additional excitement as players aim to adapt to its new position.

The Different Types of Lawn Bowls Games

Lawn bowls can be played in several formats, based on the number of players involved. These formats include:

Singles: A one-on-one competition, where each player rolls four bowls, alternating with their opponent.
Pairs: Two players on each team, each rolling two, three, or four bowls. Players alternate rolling their bowls, with one player called the “lead” and the other the “skip.” The skip is the team captain who decides strategy.
Triples: A team of three players, each rolling two or three bowls. Players alternate rolls, and the positions are lead, third (also called the vice-skip), and skip.
Fours: A team of four players, each rolling two bowls. The players in this format are called lead, second, third (or vice-skip), and skip. This is the most popular form of lawn bowls.

Alternative Game Formats and Variations

While the above formats are the most common, lawn bowls games can also be played in different styles depending on competition rules or time constraints. Some of these variations include:

Set Play: This format is similar to tennis, where the game is divided into “sets,” each made up of a predetermined number of ends. A player or team must win a certain number of sets to win the match.
Point Play: A game where players or teams play until a set number of points is reached, often with more emphasis on aggressive play.
Timed Games: A match played within a set time limit, where the team or player with the most points at the end wins.

In addition to these formats, clubs and coaches use specific “fun” games and training exercises to help players develop their skills, such as Target Bowls, Jack Target, Cut Throat, and Australian Pairs.

Learning the Sport

For beginners, the best way to learn the game is through coaching. Most lawn bowling clubs offer lessons to new members, often taught by NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) trained coaches. These lessons will cover everything from the basics of rolling the bowls to understanding the rules and strategy of the game. Players should practice their technique and strategy to build a strong foundation in the sport.

Summary of Key Points:

Goal: Roll bowls close to the jack, earning points for proximity.
Types of Play: Singles, Pairs, Triples, and Fours.
Ends: Each round in the game; alternated directions.
Shot: The term for points, awarded for bowls closest to the jack.
Jack: The small white ball that is the target.
Ditch: The boundary of the rink, where bowls can go out of play unless marked as touchers.
Coaching: Essential for beginners to develop skills and knowledge of the game.

By understanding these foundational elements of lawn bowls, you’ll be ready to participate in or watch a match with greater appreciation of its complexity, strategy, and excitement. Whether you’re playing for fun or competing in tournaments, lawn bowls offers a social yet challenging experience for people of all skill levels.